The Bermuda National Trust’s 45th annual Christmas Walkabout in St. George’s on Friday drew thousands to the historic town to kick off the festive season
National Trust Head of Development & Engagement, Dr. Dorte Horsfield live on Bermuda Tonight
The Bermuda National Trust’s annual Christmas Walkabout event in St. George’s on Friday was hailed a success by organisers.
It was the event’s 45th anniversary celebrating the start of the Christmas season. It began as an annual Christmas party exclusively for Bermuda National Trust members, designed to give them a glimpse inside the Trust’s historic properties. At the time, the Trust already played a significant role in St. George’s, caring for eleven historic buildings, including two museums – Tucker House and the Globe Museum.
Dr. Dorte Horsfield, the Head of Development and Engagement at the National Trust said, “Apparently there was standing room only [on the ferry] – a beautiful night of course to go by ferry. The shuttle service worked out very beautifully.
“And everyone is saying, ‘This is just amazing!..The streets are just filled with people being happy to see each other again.”
There were food vendors and live performances by the Royal Bermuda Regiment Band & Corps, Bermuda Island Pipe Band, Bermuda Highland Dancers, Bermy Bouncers Jump Rope Team, Bermuda School of Music Brass Band and several dance groups to keep the crowd entertained at King’s Square.
The Bermuda Tourism Authority also showcased its latest augmented reality mural in King’s Square that offers a snapshot of St. George’s history through a QR code on display.
St. George’s is the oldest, continually inhabited English-settled town in the New World and was founded over a century ago. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000.
Jasmine Furbert, Director of Visitors Exeperiences at the Bermuda Tourism Authority said, “We had amazing feedback. We have worked with local artist, Shanna Hollis. Its a the mural, ‘The Unsettled Freedom’ that we commissioned last year. It tells such a comprehensice story of Bermuda’s history up until we became a UNESCO World Heritage site.
“It was important that we added a layer of augmented reality to help deepen that cultural connection between our vistors and our cultural heritage.”
The Trust is an independant, non-profit organisation which relies on donations, legacies and the subscriptions of members who share a love of Bermuda and a desire to safeguard its heritage.
